German Far-Right AfD Achieves Historic Electoral Success, Sparking Widespread Concern
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has secured its most significant electoral victory to date in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, winning 44% of the vote. This result, while a major achievement for the AfD, has caused deep concern both within Germany and internationally, with some labeling the party as neo-Nazi. In Saxony-Anhalt, a state of approximately 2.1 million people facing economic challenges, the AfD successfully capitalized on cost-of-living anxieties.
The party secured 39 out of 83 seats in the state parliament, falling just three seats short of an absolute majority. However, no other party has indicated a willingness to form a coalition with the AfD, making it unlikely they can govern alone and increasing the possibility of new elections. The election also marked a dramatic decline for the ruling Christian Democrats (CDU), whose vote share plummeted from 37.1% in 2021 to 18%.
Many former CDU voters, along with tens of thousands who abstained in the previous election, shifted their support to the AfD. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's perceived failures in combating illegal immigration and stimulating economic growth have led to public and media questioning of his leadership. Merz acknowledged the "tectonic shift" caused by the results, stating the federal government cannot continue "business as usual" and warning of international repercussions.
Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD's 35-year-old candidate for state premier, previously described by Der Spiegel as "the most dangerous man in Germany," has become a central figure in public discourse due to the election's outcome. The AfD, founded 13 years ago and entering the federal parliament in 2017, opposes Germany's immigration policies, advocating for the "re-migration" of immigrants. Portions of the party have been classified by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution as a threat to democracy, making this electoral success a political earthquake, as no government with far-right elements has been formed in Germany since 1945.
The AfD's platform includes proposals such as segregating German and refugee children in schools, strengthening traditional family values, opposing green climate policies, and withdrawing from the Eurozone. They also promise lower housing costs, increased pensions, and a "re-migration" policy that critics, including Chancellor Merz, have decried as ethnic cleansing.
Concerns are particularly acute within the Jewish community. AfD leaders have made controversial statements, including calling the Berlin Holocaust Memorial a "monument of shame" and expressing admiration for Nazi ideology, while advocating for an end to feelings of obligation towards Jews. Some have drawn parallels between Israel and Nazis or opposed German arms sales to Israel. Siegmund himself has questioned whether the Holocaust was the worst crime against humanity and has met with neo-Nazis. The President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany expressed shock and fear for the fight against antisemitism, with the federal commissioner against antisemitism warning of a potential Jewish exodus. The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, voiced grave concerns for the safety of Jews in Germany, asking if it is safe to live there.
International reactions have been mixed. Italy's Deputy Prime Minister saw the result as proof that "another Europe is possible," while Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Elon Musk offered congratulations. Former US President Donald Trump praised the "big night" for the German populist party, citing their opposition to immigration laws, though Germany's Chancellor canceled a planned call with him. Conversely, Poland's Prime Minister harshly criticized those celebrating the AfD's victory, and France's Finance Minister expressed concern.
Calls to ban the AfD have emerged in Germany. Siegmund, however, has extended a hand to other parties for coalition talks to "change the direction of Germany," while the AfD leader declared the "black-red coalition is over." The political confrontation is expected to intensify, especially with two more regional elections scheduled for later this month. In a contrasting development, Volkswagen, a company founded during the Nazi era, has signed an agreement with Rafael to manufacture components for Israel's Iron Dome system.
